In a move aimed at giving a boost to agro-processing industry in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today laid the foundation stone for an 'ultra mega food park' in this districtKURNOOL: In a move aimed at giving a boost to agro-processing industry in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today laid the foundation stone for an 'ultra mega food park' in this district.

The 'Jain Irrigation Food Park' is being established in 758 acres. Besides processing fruit, vegetables and spices, the facility will have agri biotech and R&D centres.

Under the manufacturing set up, the "ultra mega food park" includes micro-irrigation systems, PVC and PE pipes and tissue culture. Technology innovations constitute product and crop demonstration centre, water-harvesting demonstration unit and renewable energy hubs, according to the Government.

"Given that food habits are changing with lifestyles and demand for food is a growing concern, we believe R&D will help us understand the existing trends, understand consumption of certain products and predict the need for future. We will continue to conduct research on various agriculture practices which will help increase the yield," Naidu said.

Later, he also the laid foundation stone for a facility of Gujarat Ambuja Exports which will come up in 200 acres with an investment of Rs 240 crore.

The company is setting up a maize processing unit in Orvakallu, Kurnool district which will offer both direct and indirect employment to locals.

"These investments reflect our decentralised development strategy for the state," the Chief Minister said, adding his Government plans to set up food parks in every district.